Elly In Bloom (49 page)

The End

See Elly continue to bloom in Elly in Love, coming soon.

My deepest thanks:

To those who have dared to both love and believe in me, even when there was very little reason behind it: My wonderful husband and unceasing supporter Ryan Oakes. The best gift I ever gave myself was marrying you. To my beloved and unreasonably logical sister Cynthia McCulley, my dear friend and favorite photographer Sarah Glover, the sister of my heart Kimberly Stein; friends Megan Hill, Cassandra Splittgerber, Elizabeth Wagner, Anthony Patton, Jordan Powers, and Katie Hall.

To Emily Testrake at Sister’s Flowers St. Louis, for teaching me the many joys and curses of being a wedding florist.

To those who have helped sculpt this book into what it is today: Michelle Rehme, Denise McCulley, Jennifer Hein, Heather Erickson.

To those teachers who have encouraged my writing through their vast springs of wisdom: Diane Hollenbeck for her instruction in life and literature, and for Dr. Mandana Nakhai, whose bravery, wit and knowledge continue to inspire.

Finally, this book would not exist without three very instrumental and incredible women: Emily “I’m for you!” Kiebel, whose vision and friendship is woven into every sentence of this book, the amazing Karen Groves for her sharp red pen and perpetually encouraging feedback, and for Erin Armknecht, who was simply the best editor a girl could hope for.

Thank you.

Hebrews 12:2